DDBJ

Definition

DDBJ, or the DNA Data Bank of Japan, is a nucleotide sequence database that collects, stores, and disseminates DNA sequences from various organisms. It is one of the key international databases alongside GenBank and EMBL, facilitating global collaboration in genomics research by providing accessible data for scientists worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DDBJ was established in 1986 and serves as a crucial resource for researchers by archiving DNA sequences and making them available for public access.
2. DDBJ collaborates closely with GenBank and EMBL to maintain a unified sequence database through a shared data submission system known as INSDC (International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration).
3. It supports various types of sequence data including genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic sequences, reflecting a broad spectrum of biological research.
4. DDBJ also provides tools for data analysis and visualization, allowing users to explore sequence data efficiently.
5. The database plays a significant role in international research initiatives, helping to advance fields such as evolutionary biology, genetics, and genomics.

Review Questions

• How does DDBJ contribute to international collaboration in genomic research?
  • DDBJ plays a vital role in international collaboration by providing a centralized repository for DNA sequences that researchers can access freely. By partnering with GenBank and EMBL through the INSDC framework, DDBJ helps ensure that sequence data is consistently shared across different regions and institutions. This collaboration facilitates better research outcomes by allowing scientists from around the world to share findings and build upon each other's work.
• Discuss the importance of the INSDC collaboration among DDBJ, GenBank, and EMBL in maintaining nucleotide databases.
  • The INSDC collaboration among DDBJ, GenBank, and EMBL is crucial for maintaining comprehensive and synchronized nucleotide databases. This partnership ensures that sequence data submitted to any one of these databases is mirrored across all three platforms, reducing redundancy and enhancing data integrity. By working together, these organizations provide a more unified resource for researchers while promoting transparency and accessibility in genomic data sharing.
• Evaluate how DDBJ supports advancements in various fields such as evolutionary biology and genomics through its resources.
  • DDBJ supports advancements in fields like evolutionary biology and genomics by providing researchers with extensive datasets necessary for analysis and discovery. With its wide array of sequence data from diverse organisms, scientists can investigate genetic variations, study evolutionary relationships, and identify functional genes. Furthermore, the analytical tools offered by DDBJ enable researchers to visualize patterns within the data effectively, facilitating breakthroughs that could lead to new insights into biology and medicine.

Related terms

GenBank:

A comprehensive public database of nucleotide sequences and their protein translations, maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the United States.

EMBL-EBI: The European Molecular Biology Laboratory's European Bioinformatics Institute, which houses a wide range of biological data and provides tools for bioinformatics research.

Sequence Submission: The process of submitting nucleotide or protein sequence data to databases like DDBJ, GenBank, or EMBL, ensuring that scientific findings are shared with the global research community.